Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez was picked by St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa to be a member of the National League All-Star team for the second straight year today.

Sanchez, batting .301, was selected because of his versatility and reputation as a contact hitter.

"That definitely might have had something to do with it," Sanchez said. "We've played the Cardinals a lot. He knows I can play second base, shortstop, third base and that I'll do whatever it takes to win.

"I was kind of in shock. I didn't think I really had a chance. It's such an honor to be picked by a Hall of Fame manager. This is probably one of the biggest honors I can receive."

Gorzelanny (8-4, 3.05) can be voted in by fans. The online voting runs through 6 p.m. Thursday. He's up against Roy Oswalt, Carlos Zambrano, Chris Young and Brandon Webb. One of those starting pitchers will be the final member of the National League All-Star team.

"This is my plea for people to get on the computer," Gorzelanny said. "It would be greatly appreciated. Maybe we can come up with something like, 'Send Gorzo to the Bay!'"